Sharp Park MTB Trail Project

The City of Jackson Parks & Recreation Department is requesting proposals for design and construction of approximately 12.5 miles of natural surface singletrack mountain bike trails at Ella Sharp Park, with proposals due August 10, 2026 and a mandatory pre-bid meeting on July 16, 2026. The project involves HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, triggering federal compliance requirements including Davis-Bacon prevailing wage standards, Section 3 employment compliance for contracts exceeding $100,000, minority and women's business enterprise utilization, and Clean Air and Clean Water Act adherence.

The scope encompasses rehabilitation of existing trail segments, decommissioning and ecological restoration of unsustainable segments, construction of new segments, removal or replacement of unsafe features, vegetation management, signage and wayfinding installation, erosion control, drainage improvements, and site restoration. Bidders must submit unit price proposals on a lump-sum basis for four distinct trail matrices with the option to identify segments as either new construction or rehabilitation. Work must be completed by September 1, 2027, with all invoices due September 30, 2027.

Planning-level cost estimates for the Sharp Park trail components total $434,579 for design and construction plus $570,000 for other amenities; total project estimates including adjacent areas (MLK Equality Trail, Armory Arts Walk, Summit Township Trails) range to approximately $2.03 million, though pricing is subject to change upon final design completion. The successful contractor must provide performance, labor and material payment, and maintenance and guarantee bonds (all 100% of contract price, with maintenance bond at 25% of contract price) within 10 days of award. Award goes to the lowest responsible bidder subject to City Council approval.

Bidders must demonstrate 3–5 years of documented large-scale project experience, submit five references, and preferably hold Professional Trail Builders Association membership. Evaluation criteria: price (25 points), corporate accountability and project history (25 points), workplace safety and OSHA compliance (25 points), workforce development (15 points), and social equity including local hiring and EEO programs (10 points). A 5% bid security is required. Comprehensive general liability insurance minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence, automobile liability, Michigan-required worker's compensation, and professional liability insurance (if applicable) are mandatory.